Top Lancashire universities and colleges named finalists in 'prestigious' Educate North Awards 2026

Now in its 12th year, the Educate North Awards aim to highlight excellence, world-class achievements and improvement across the University, Higher Education, Further Education and Sixth Form sectors across the region.

Dubbed the North’s ‘most prestigious’ education awards, this year’s final will take place at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground on May 7. The sparkling event will be presented by one of the UK’s longest serving TV presenters, Lucy Meacock.

Among the finalists are several fantastic institutions in Lancashire, including Myerscough College, University of Lancashire, Lancaster University, Blackburn College and Edge Hill University.

Take a look at the Lancashire finalists below.

Educate North Awards 2026 - Lancashire finalists

• Myerscough College - Apprenticeships for Skills, Careers and Growth - Apprenticeship Award
• University of Lancashire & Partner Care Homes - The Person Before the Patient - Community Engagement Award
• The Manchester Metropolitan University Centre for Enterprise (Lancaster University, the University of Salford, GM Colleges) - The Centre for Digital Innovation - Digital and AI Innovation Award
• University of Lancashire - AI Chatbot and Real-Time Conversational AI Avatar for Student Support and SME Engagement - Digital and AI Innovation Award
• University of Lancashire— Transforming Medical Education with Playful Learning - Game-Changing Education Award
• University of Lancashire and Shakespeare North - Acting Partnership & Public Performance Programme - Heart Creative Arts Award
• University of Lancashire School of Veterinary Medicine - How to Thrive in Veterinary Education - Mental Health and Wellbeing Award
• Edge Hill University, Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, and Liverpool Medical Needs Education - Supporting Tomorrow’s Teachers to Promote the Mental Health of Children and Young People - Mental Health and Wellbeing Award
• Blackburn College - Studying Beyond the Classroom: International Work-Related Learning - Student Experience Award (HE/FE)
• University of Lancashire - Achieve+ - Student Experience Award (University)
• Archie Matthews from Myerscough College - College or FE Student Achievement of the Year
• University of Lancashire Business School - Business School of the Year
• Lancaster University Management School - Business School of the Year
• Blackburn College - Further Education College of the Year
• University of Lancashire – School of Medicine and Dentistry - Medical School of the Year
• Edge Hill University - School of Law and Criminal Justice - Law School of the Year
• Lancaster University School of Law - Law School of the Year